A microbial parasite called Giardiasis could be lurking in your water tank and causing havoc In your gastrointestinal system. The topic was discussed by members at the Coonamble branch at last week’s Country Women’s Association (CWA) meeting with mention of local incidents of infection among people who drink unfiltered water from their rainwater tanks.“Perhaps some of us are more resistant to it because we drink tap water all the time,” a branch member said.“But if we have a visitor who is immune-compromised or small children then it’s really something to pay attention to.”Giardiasis is a water-born parasitic bacteria. It can be found in faeces and transmitted through contaminated water, handling infected animals, or person-to-person contact. Guiardia cases often spike after heavy rainfall, when the bacteria can flourish in hot, humid conditions.“If there’s been a lot of rain and your runoff is not entirely clean that can increase the risk of it coming,” Ochre Medical GP Dr Justine Thomson said.“Town people can be affected if pipes are not clean but it’s far less common.” Symptoms include diarrhoea, fatigue, stomach cramps, nausea, and weight loss. The giardiasis bacteria can be dangerous to some people. IMAGE SOURCED.To test if a patient has giardia a stool sample is sent to a lab for testing. Giardia is a stubborn disease and once infected, symptoms can persist for days or even months. “They can make you quite crook. Some people stop eating well and lose weight,” Dr Thomson said. Most people begin to show symptoms three to 25 days after infection. “Particularly for vulnerable people, symptoms can be more chronic. “Ongoing diarrhoea in little kids should be looked into particularly if they’re not gaining weight.” Dr Thomson said she has seen an increase in cases in town for the past year in which she has worked in Coonamble. “We had a spike in cases last year, including some resistant cases,” Dr Thomson said.In severe cases, giardia is treated with an antibiotic. Giardia is most common in young children whose immune systems are still developing but their symptoms such as loose stool are often overlooked because they are common in children. Filtration devices, including UV filtration help get rid of giardiasis and other bacteria.There are precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of giardiasis infecting your home rainwater. At their meeting, CWA members discussed the need for ‘first flush diverters’ to be fitted on rainwater tanks and that testing is recommended when conditions are prime for bacteria to increase.“You can have your water tested, but watch out for dodgy companies promising big things,” one member warned. “Local ag supplies stores like Elders and Nutrien can usually test water samples for you.”Giardia is a notifiable disease and local GPS do advise NSW Health of any cases they see, however, the Public Health Unit tends not to make direct contact with patients in our area because it is quite common. So, if you’re questioning the last time you had your water tank cleaned maybe now is the time to look into that.

Australia’s longest running and largest national day for the environment – Clean Up Australia, is celebrating 35 years this year on Sunday March 2 and organisers are calling on schools’ communities and local councils to register their interest. Registrations are open and volunteers receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).  Founded in 1990 by Ian Kiernan AO, the day has seen over 22 million Australians take part in clean-up activities. The 2024 Clean Up Australia Day campaign collected an estimated 140,000 bags of litter nationally, highlighting the continued importance and relevance of Clean Up events and volunteers.Warren Shire Council has put out the word to its community to take part and keep their parcel of the world beautiful. "We are all set for the day and have bags ready for people to collect ready to go out and pick up rubbish," said a spokesperson from Warren Shire Council. "All that is needed is to register yourself or your group cleanup.org.au and the site you will be at and council will collect filled bags if needed. "Remember to wear gloves, appropriate shoes and clothes and don't forget to slip slop slap."Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia is urging people to jump in and help - image courtesy ABCBogan Shire Council still takes part in the Clean Up Australia initiative but chooses to wait for cooler weather to encourage more people to join in. with over 22 million people taking part since the clean up day first commenced, volunteers have donated around 38.5 millions hours of time.“Clean Up Australia has a rich history of mobilising Australians to take practical action to clear up the mass amount of litter and waste that makes its way into our beautiful waterways and other natural surroundings,” Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said. “We know that 35 years on from when my father started this iconic organisation, our fight against litter is nowhere near over, but we also know that as a society we need to shift our habits to consider litter prevention and best practice to stop it from entering our environment in the first place,” she said.Cleaning up Australia volunteers - Image courtesy Clean Up AustraliaA Clean Up Australia Litter Report said that plastics were 81 per cent of all surveyed litter, with 44 per cent of litter cleared from waterway sites, 16 per cent from parks and 11 per cent from bushland. “I truly hope that this year we can rally as many Aussies as possible to get behind Clean Up Australia and make it the biggest year of action to date. Nothing makes us prouder than to see communities from all walks of life and generations coming together with a common goal of making a difference for our precious environment,” Pip said.If you are unable to participate, donations to Clean Up Australia are welcome, with 100% of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment and providing Clean Up kits. Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 2, 2025 Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 25, 2025, and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 28, 2025

A recent study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) has found that keeping native roadside vegetation near crops of canola and faba bean pods increased pollination rates and lead to more seeds.    UniSA ecologist Associate Professor Sophie Petit says canola beans set near native vegetation, compared to the centre of a field, had up to 20 per cent increase in seeds. Faba beans near native vegetation had 12 per cent higher yield.   First author of the study, PhD student Bianca Amato, said “the results are significant, given the study area has been extensively cleared for agriculture over time, containing less than 13 per cent of native vegetation, and roadside vegetation is often the only habitat for pollinating insects in that region. “The findings confirm that both fragment and roadside vegetation improve pollination and crop yields. Roadside vegetation plays a strong role but is often threatened by clearance."   But does it mean every farmer across Australia should leave or plant native vegetation to grow in and near their crops?   A Trangie based agronomist said while the study was interesting, it was yet to be trialled in Western New South Wales.   The area that UniSA researchers conducted the study in was south of Minlaton, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. Minlaton is known as the "barely capital of the world", and like most of the Yorke Peninsula has a dry Mediterranean climate, while most of Central West NSW has a semi-arid climate.   Native vegetation in the study was mostly trees and flowers, including yellow and red mallee, broombush, and black paperbark. Other flowering plants like native cranberry, common fringe myrtle, native fuchsia, holly bush, and rosemary dampiera were also present.   While these plants commonly grow in South Australia, most of the roadside vegetation in areas like Coonmable or Narromine are mostly grasses, which don't host bees and won't increase pollination.   The Trangie-based agronomist said it was widely known that canola and faba beans need pollination.

A 19-year-old will face court today, 21 February, after he threatened a 91-year-old woman in her home in Baradine.  Officers from the Orana Mid-Western Police District were called to a home in Baradine at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, following reports of a break-in.  When police arrived they were told a man had broken into the elderly woman's home, threatened her, and stole her Toyota sedan.  No injuries were reported from the incident.  Police located the abandoned and damaged vehicle a short time later.  The 19-year-old man was arrested on Thursday around 2pm on Wellington Street Baradine.  He was taken to Coonabarabran Police Station and charged with taking and driving a conveyance without consent of the owner, stalking/intimidating with intent to fear physical harm, demanding property with menaces with intent to steal, and aggravated entering a dwelling with intent.  He was refused bail on Thursday and will appear before Dubbo Local Court today, 21 February. 

The quashing of Labor’s proposed biosecurity tax has brought widespread relief to our agricultural industry.The proposed new levy was to be imposed on Australian farmers, and the money obtained used to protect against biosecurity risks.“In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks their competitors are creating?” Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said.“Labor’s fresh food tax would have hurt families at the checkout as well as 84 agricultural commodities, which faced taxes to raise $150 million over three years, to pay for the risks created by their competitors, which is those importing from overseas,” Mr Littleproud said.Jenny Bradley is a sheep farmer from Armatree and on the board of Tooraweenah Livestock Producers and the Sheep Producers Australia Policy Council.She has been keeping an eye on the progress of the biosecurity tax, and said many farmers may not have even been aware of it, or the financial implications.“Probably a lot of producers wouldn't have even realised that it was actually happening,” she said.“But all the ag peak bodies and advocacy groups have been really against this proposed biosecurity tax, simply because it's a double tax on producers.“Australian farmers are not the creators of the biosecurity risks, it's importers and tourists that are the issue."Armatree sheep producer Jenny Bradley. IMAGE: COONAMBLE TIMES"Basically, they're the two biggest sectors that can introduce a biosecurity incursion into our industries."It's frightening that the shopping containers products are imported in have no biosecurity cleansing or protocols when they reused."“Risk of incursions of major diseases, insects and foreign material increases daily."It’s not about Australian farmers, but what is coming into the country from overseas.“Bottom line is, we pay enough tax as it is so look further afield, tax the people who are creators of that risk."Hopefully, it looks as though common sense has prevailed, which is a nice change."Cattle Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Parker, is one of many agricultural industry identities celebrating over the scrapping of the biodiversity tax.Industry relieved about tax backflipNational Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke welcomed the decision and thanked the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, for listening to farmers’ concerns. “This is a huge win for farmers."The Minister and the Senate have listened – this tax was deeply flawed and unfair to farmers."We appreciate the Minister’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our biosecurity system. “I also tip my hat to our members, industry stakeholders and the thousands of farmers who voiced their concerns about this tax. “Together we put up a fierce fight and we are relieved to close the book on this idea. “The agricultural sector was united in its opposition to this tax, and we are just as united in our commitment to protecting our country’s biosecurity. “Farmers already contribute significantly to the system, and we look forward to working with the Government on policy that strengthens our defence against pests and diseases without adding extra costs on farmers.”Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie moved the motion and said The Nationals have delivered an embarrassing defeat to the Government on the floor of the Senate, removing a tax Labor should never have proposed. “Not only would this tax have driven up the price of fresh food, with farmers forced to pass on costs, it would have also undermined the entire levy system, causing chaos and confusion across industry,” Senator McKenzie said.Cattle Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Parker, congratulated Agriculture Minister Julie Collins on binning the ill-conceived law.“Finally, the Government has recognised its proposed levy system would have resulted in inequitable imposts on farm industries through a clunky collection mechanism that lacked transparency,” Dr Parker said.“The Australian beef industry exports more than 70 per cent of its production and this is contingent on our disease-free statuses, so biosecurity is of paramount importance to grass-fed beef producers.“CA fully supports increased Government investment in biosecurity and with the Federal election due in coming months, we encourage both parties to release their policies for a workable and sustainable funding model that provides biosecurity agencies with the resources they need to protect our industries."

A massive eight month clean-up effort has seen approximately ten shipping containers worth of debris removed from a 90-kilometre stretch of the Macquarie River near Warren.   Flooding events in 2022 caused swelling in the soil beneath trees, leaving trees to pile up and become jammed together at narrow points along the river. As well as organic material like trees human-made debris was also clogging up the river.  Warren Council and the community worked to secure funding so the debris could be cleared.   The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began removal work in April 2024. It was funded under the joint Commonwealth and State Disaster Funding Recovery Arrangements.  NSW EPA Director of Incident Management and Environmental Health, Arminda Ryan, said the massive clean-up effort was challenging, but the EPA managed to complete it successfully thanks to the help of the community.    "We achieved what we did by working closely with the community, expert colleagues in other agencies, the Warren Shire Council and our specialist contractor.  “In particular, the involvement of the community was vital. The people of Warren know this river inside out, and right from the get-go, they provided us with invaluable advice to ensure the works were completed with the sensitivity of the local environment in mind."IMAGE: Car and other debris that was blocking flow of the river. Supplied by EPA  Crews from specialist contractor Northern Rivers Marine Services worked through challenging conditions to remove large amounts of human-made flood debris from the rafts, including a car, chemical drums, fridges and dryers, canoes and more.  “Severe floods have lasting, wide-spread impacts, often resulting in costly and complicated clean-ups for local communities, so we’re pleased we could deliver this clean-up program with a great result for the river and the community,” Ms Ryan said. Member for Barwon Roy Butler, expressed thanks to EPA and community, saying he was happy to see the river flowing again.   "I went out there to have a look in March 2023, and it was a massive tangle of trees, mostly introduced species, blocking the river flow.    "I look forward to going back to Warren to have a look at the river and to see the river flowing freely again." IMAGE: Macquarie River after the raft clean up. Supplied by EPA

Locusts are hitting several properties pretty hard from southeast of Warren up to the Warrumbungles and now is the perfect time to make headway with spraying, according to Senior Bio Security Officer at the Local Land Service (LLS) Rhett Robinson.  Since mid-January surveys and grower reports have revealed frequent medium-density nymphs with occasional high-densities in the Warren-Mount Foster-Quambone-Coonamble-Baradine-Gilgandra-Collie area, with medium-density swarms detected later in the area west of Tottenham.These swarms are classified as localised outbreaks.. It all began around mid-December when a swarm of locusts flew in and laid their eggs in these areas. "Those nymphs have hatched and they're the ones we're seeing on the wing at the moment," Mr Robinson said. Where those swarms came from is unknown, according to Mr Robinson. Growing crops are no match for a swarm of locusts so getting to them ahead of sowing is a high priority.  "They can really make short work of a cereal crop coming out of the ground," he said. "We have a window of opportunity between now and when crops start growing where landholders can do as much as they can to control them."  According to a joint state and federal government bulletin released on 14 February it is likely that some locust bands will develop from untreated populations or aggregated populations after migration/dispersal from late February onwards. There is a low likelihood of widespread infestations developing during February and March. Locust swarms banding in Coonamble. Video: suppliedSo far, around 30 properties in the Coonamble Shire have reported locusts, although sightings have been recorded as far as Warren, Armatree, and Collie.  "There's been a mix of low-density and high-density swarms on the western side of the Warrumbungles and west of the Pilliga as well," Mr Robinson said.  A high-density swarm consists of around 50 locusts per square meter.  One of the landholders who have reported locusts to the LLS is Margaret Garnsey and her husband Larry. "He probably put out around 60 litres of chemical," Mrs Garnsey said.  "They haven't made too much damage but you can see patches where they have had an impact."  Since the spraying, the locusts have been under control.  The localised outbreak is not comparable to a massive outbreak in western NSW in 2003 between Dubbo and Collie which required aerial spraying to get the locusts under control.  "It's not uncommon to have this sort of locust activity in the area. Over the last 20 years, I can think of four or five times an outbreak like this has happened." It is vital for landholders to report locust swarms so that the LLS can map them properly and provide landholders with the right equipment to spray them.  "We can scale things up and give as much support as needed. If no one reports anything, we think everything's fine," Mr Robinson said.  "Landholders need to be the first line of defence in controlling locusts." Localised breeding is expected to continue with above average rainfall and temperatures forecast for the rest of February and March. The best time to spray adult locusts is in the morning when they are still roosting.  "Go while it's still cool before it gets too warm and they start to fly. You can spray them when they are adults but it needs to be a medium- to high-density swarm to make it worthwhile."  The minimum density to start spraying is 10 locusts per square meter.  Even better is to get to the locusts when they haven't hatched yet. "Control the next generation when they're still on the ground," Mr Robinson said. 

A report released by the CSIRO and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) last November, suggested it would be a good idea for farmers to keep an eye on mice numbers in February and March 2025.As a follow up, the GRDC are holding a Research Update on using zinc phosphide for successful mouse control.Western Plains App asked Walgett agronomist, Greg Rummery from Outlook Ag, to “squeak” about how mouse numbers are tracking across the Western Plains.“You see the odd mouse here and there, but there’s no great issue at the moment,” Mr Rummery said.“We do bait with zinc phosphide mixed with grain if its necessary, but there hasn’t really been the need locally.”GRDC suggestions to monitor across multiple paddocks to gauge mouse numbers to inform management decisions, makes sense, Mr Rummery said.“Mice will come out of the margins, like pasture paddocks to cropped or harvested paddocks, simply becuase there is more feed,” he said.“In our area, we would rarely pre-emptively bait for mice other than possibly in canola at sowing."Agronomist, Greg Rummery from Walgett said mouse numbers are not currently problematic in the Western Plains.A Local Land Services spokesperson told Western Plains App that North West LLS and Central West LLS recently monitored several cropping fields for mice activity."At most of the sites, the paper cards placed in the field – called mouse chew cards – were untouched and little mice activity was found," the spokesperson said."Landholders should regularly inspect their properties for mice activity and monitor any changes, particularly before sowing and in early spring.""Early detection is key to managing numbers effectively and limiting damage to crops, feed and fodder, and stored grain."GRDC recommend strategic use of zinc phosphide for successful mouse control.In their upcoming on-line Research Update, Steve Henry, CSIRO and Ben White, Research Engineer will explore strategies for successful mouse control and factors that restrict efficacy of zinc phosphide.Mr Henry and Mr White will highlight recent research on best placement of zinc phosphide and the impact of leftover grain in paddock post-harvest.GRDC suggest that low crop yields and storm-affected crops might mask mouse numbers and damage.They also say mouse activity could increase rapidly when conditions become favourable, which will be a concern for seeding in autumn 2025.Mouse activity can be reported on MouseAlert.MouseAlert is a free resource that grain producers and farmers can use to record and report the prevalence of mice before they become a major issue.Farmers interested in the GRDC online update of Strategic use of zinc phosphide for successful mouse control on 12 March can register here.

A 19-year-old man from Nyngan has been charged with multiple breaking and entering offences after three break-ins in Cobar and Nyngan.  The first offence took place between 5pm on 26 January and 3:10pm on 27 January. He allegedly took a motorcycle and a helmet from a home.  The suspect is also charged with two further breaking and entering incidents in Nyngan. One around 10am on 6 February at a home on Oxley Street in Nyngan where he allegedly stole a torch, wallet, and several clothing items.  He is also alleged to have stolen a Ute and a motorcycle from a business on Wambiana Street in Nyngan on 15 February around 1:30am.  Police attempted to stop the suspect on Tuesday 18 February when he was spotted in the stolen Ute on Manildra Street in Narromine around 9:20pm.  The driver failed to stop and police initiated a pursuit. The 19-year-old eventually abandoned the vehicle on Lower Castlereagh Street in Gilgandra. With the help of the Central North Police District, Rural Crime Prevention Team, and PolAir in a nearby bushland a short time later.  Police seized the Ute and a knife.  Officers took the suspect to the Dubbo Police Station for further questioning after which he was charged with police pursuit, driving recklessly/furiously, driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period, custody of a knife in a public place, and driving conveyance without consent of the owner.  He was also charged with three offences related to two outstanding warrants including breaking and a house and stealing valuable worth less than or equal to $60,000, breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to steal, and driving a conveyance without consent from the owner.  The suspect was denied bail at Dubbo Local Court on 19 February.  He will appear again before court in Nyngan on 24 February. 

More regional Australians are getting education or training with fee-free TAFE according to the latest data, with one out of three places filled by people from remote or regional Australia.  From January 2023 to June 2024 there was a total of 180,000 fee-free TAFE places, including 35,500 in early childhood education and care, 35,000 in construction, and 131,000 in care and support roles.   Federal Minister for Parkes, Mark Coulton, was happy with the amount of people from regional and remote areas attending TAFE as part of the fee-fee initiative.   "I have always been a firm believer in the power of education.   "If this statistic is true, I certainly welcome it; there is no doubt that the regions will benefit.   "Indeed, I did a TAFE course in welding after I left secondary school and the skills I took away from that course set me up for life."   The Albanese government wants to legislate the fee-free initiative into national education policy, however some industries are critical of the proposal.  Master Builders Australia entered a submission to the government's Free TAFE Bill 2024, advocating for the inclusion of not-for-profit, private registered training organisations (RTOs) in the final bill.     “Free TAFE initiatives unfairly distort the market towards TAFE-delivered courses over industry-led providers," said Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.  “We have not seen the free TAFE policy bring more people into building and construction apprenticeships; rather, it has simply reshuffled the deck.   “The proposed Bill is anti-competitive and creates a market distortion and should not be committed to legislation.   “If the Government does seek to pass the Bill, it must be amended to include not-for-profit industry-run RTOs."   Other industries so far seem supportive of the idea. Although not all the aged care and child care facilities in the Western Plains contacted for this story were aware that there were currently fee-free courses available, Acting CEO of Koonambil Aged Care Paul Rosenquist said the changes could be a positive for attracting more workers into the aged care and disability care sector.   "It's a positive if we get more people in. We're still struggling for staff at the moment. We need to attract more people to the aged care industry.  "We're using agency workers, but it is costly, and it's something that affects our bottom line as a business."   In early childhood education, there has been an uplift in enrolments and commencements since the introduction of fee-free TAFE. In 2022, there were 10,472 enrolled in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in NSW. This increased to 11,103 in 2024 after the introduction of fee-free TAFE. Similarly, in Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, enrolments jumped from 2,679 in 2022 to 3,896 in 2024.  No figures were available to demonstrate any take-up in western plains communities. A spokesperson from TAFE NSW, advised that TAFE enrolments are not allocated at a campus level, and where fee-free TAFE is not available, students may be eligible for equity or merit scholarships, or programs such as 'Smart and Skilled' in order to access subsidised education.   The Free TAFE Bill 2024 is still being considered in parliament. The committee inquiry will hand down its report by the end of February. Let us know what you think by sending the Western Plains News app a message: Contact Us.

Should retailers be forced to accept cash?   From 19 December 2024 until 14 February 2025 the Albanese government held a consultation process on their plan to mandate cash acceptance for businesses selling essential items.   Critics of the current cash mandate proposal point to flaws in the plan that could derail any real intention to keep cash circulating in our economy.Small businesses for whom cash is a critical component of their operations are likely be embroiled in the process that Jason Bryce, founder of Cash Welcome describes as 'confusing and contradictory' whilel large corporations could escape the requirement to allow cash transactions at their counters. "The list of non-essential items is confusing and contradictory. It will lead to arguments. Why is tea and coffee essential but not water and juice? And children's clothing and shoes is essential, but not adult clothing and shoes? And car repairs and fuel are essential but not cars themselves?"   He's not the only one critical of the idea.   Investigative journalist Dale Webster called attention to the fact that the government wants to give exemptions on the cash mandate to small businesses, but 97% of Australian business (as of June 2024) are defined as small.   "The cash mandate won't work unless it’s a genuine mandate. All retailers must accept cash for it to work," says Bryce.   But Bryce also cautions against claims of Australia going completely "cashless", pointing to RBA data.   "We need to be careful of media saying Australia is becoming cashless, because if you look at it the latest figures from the reverse bank show $100 billion in notes in cash are still circulating."   The government plan to announce the final details of the cash mandate plan later this year, with the proposed start date for the bill set at 1 January 2026. 

There's debate over how much the stamp duty assistance program is helping regional house buyers.This follows calls by the NSW Government that the program has saved home buyers across the state an average of $20,540.   The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme gives eligible people an exemption from stamp duty for properties up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1 million.   Since it began in July 2023, more than 50,000 first home buyers have received support under the program, and total stamp duty savings has topped $1 billion.   But has it helped people in regional Australia?   NSW government data suggests that residents in the Far West and Orana region have saved $11.6 million across a total of 966 properties, with an average saving of $11,982.   However, Katherine Gaff from Beyond Twenty One Real Estate in Gilgandra doesn't believe the scheme has had much impact on first home buyer's decisions.   "We're not seeing an increased amount of people buying first homes because of the scheme. If they're buying their first home, it's because that's where they're at in life, not because of the scheme."   Data from Gilgandra shows 27 first home buyers have used the scheme since it began in 2023, with an average of $7,858 in stamp duty saved.   Fiona Foodey from Halcroft and Bennett in Coonamble agrees that the scheme makes little difference for first home buyers in regional areas.   "Out here it doesn't really change," she said. "It's only your first home that's included in the scheme."  Data shows 20 properties bought by first home buyers in Coonamble have used the scheme, with an average of $7,433 in stamp duty saved.  The regional divide The State Government reports that more than 3,200 buyer households in Parramatta in Sydney have saved a total of $74.1 million.   But there is a big difference between property in Sydney compared to regional and rural areas.  According to Domain, the average cost of a three bedroom home in Parramatta is $1.115 million, compared to $260,000 for a three bedroom home in Gilgandra and $200,000 in Coonamble.   So while many city dwelling first home buyers are saving money with the program, regional and rural people are not necessarily seeing the same effect. To see more specific statistics for Local Government Area and regional classifications you can visit here: https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard  

Both the Central North Police District and Orana Mid Western Districts have issued multiple appeals in the last 48 hours seeking public assistance to locate men and women wanted on arrest warrants who may be in one of our western plains communities.The push is part of Operation Amarok, a statewide operation aimed at arresting persons wanted in relation to domestic and family violence offences.Among the persons being sought are:Wayne Jackson, aged 54, believed to frequent the Goodooga, Walgett Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge and Dubbo areas. He is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 160 to 165 cm tall, thin build, with black hair and brown eyes. Karyna Holloway, aged 35, is wanted for failing to comply with an extended supervision order. Holloway is believed to frequent the Auburn, Lightning Ridge and Walgett areas. William CROAKER, aged 19, is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 150 to 160 cm tall, thin build, with black hair and brown eyes.William CROAKER is believed to frequent the Brewarrina, Narromine, Walgett and Orange areas.Jyle JOHNSON, aged 31, is believed to frequent the Bourke and Dubbo area.He is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 175 to 180 cm tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.As police continue to conduct inquiries into the whereabouts of these people, they are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.In the Orana Mid-Western Police District, the persons of interest include:Duane JOHNSON, aged 34, is believed to frequent the Bourke, Sans Souci, Dubbo & Ashfield regions.He is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 160 to 170 cm tall, medium build, with light brown hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo on his lower right arm of cursive writing starting with the letter D.

Entries are open for the 2025 Catholic Care Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art competition and organisers are calling for aspiring and emerging Aboriginal Artists living in Western NSW to submit their work.With $4000 in prizemoney, the competition is a chance for rural artists to share their works and give an insight into the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry the region has to offer.CatholicCare Wilcannia Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche said the organisation was pleased to hold the competition for the fourth time.“Each time we’ve held this competition, we’ve received some truly awesome and exciting entries,” Ms Mioche said.CatholicCare Wilcannia Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche - Image CatholicCare “We started the competition in 2019 because we knew there was unrecognised talent in our vast region, and we wanted to showcase these artists.“In 2023 the competition attracted 14 entries from across our region, and two impressive artworks tied for first place.”There is $4000 in prize money up for grabs ($2000 first and $1500 second) providing a real opportunity for emerging Aboriginal artists to create and share meaningful artwork that shows the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry in Western NSW.TO ENTER•         You must be Aboriginal and living in or have connections to the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese (andcommunities where our services are available).•         Your artwork must be original and created in the past 12 months.•         You must have a completed parent/guardian consent section if you are under 18. Entries willbe accepted from children 15 years and over.•         First, second and third prizes will become the property of CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes.•          If you wish to submit an artwork larger than 2metres x 2metres please contact [email protected]•         You must submit your completed entry form, agreeing to the Terms and Conditions with your painting.The winners will be selected based on aesthetic quality and creative originality and the winning artwork will be displayed at the head office of Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese and bedisplayed in branding and promotional materials.Inaugural prize winner Raymond Thorpe with his artwork Platypus Waterholes - Image CatholicCare“I always feel excitement at the arrival of new entries, and I know our team members do as well,” said Ms Mioche.“We love viewing the artworks and learning the story behind them,” she said.If you require assistance to complete this form or for any questions relating to the competition, please call 1800 067 067 or email [email protected]

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) will receive $900,000 towards a culture centre as the town marks the sixtieth anniversary of the historic Freedom Ride. The commitment by the NSW Government will help cover consultation and construction costs for the pavilion at Walgett Freedom Ride Memorial Park.Hundreds of people including school children and government ministers attended an official announcement at the park yesterday. "It's just such a big thing for us," WAMS chair Mary Purse said. "I hope there's more commemorations so that we can train our younger people to follow this legend. "Charlie Perkins and the students, they were the ones that opened the door for us."Students from the Freedom Ride prepare protest signs at Walgett in February 1965. IMAGE: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and SEARCH Foundation.The Freedom Ride In 1965, Charlie Perkins led a group of 30 University of Sydney students in a bus through rural towns to protest against Aboriginal exclusion from venues like swimming pools and cinemas.He was one of only two indigenous students enrolled in the University at the time. The group held signs outside Walgett's RSL club in protest against a ban on indigenous servicemen. Their demonstration triggered hostility from many locals, which led to a truck driver forcing the bus off the Moree Road.The 15-day journey drew national attention and threw racial segregation into the spotlight. It was a turning point in Australian history.Mr Perkins went on to be a significant leader in Australian politics and community."It makes you feel very pleased that you're involved in something that was so important to some people, and that helped change some of their lives," said Ann Curthoy, who attended the anniversary with fellow riders Chris Page, Aidan Foy, Beth Hansen and Alec Mills. "I think people who know their history can have a strong sense of identity and community. "I'm a historian, so I always think remembering the past is important, mainly to know where you came from. It can be a kind of a spur to action, the fact that there's a tradition to be carried on. There's an inheritance."Commemorating historyThis week's funding announcement also committed to installing commemorative plaques, under the Blue Plaques program, along the route of the Freedom Ride.The route ran from Sydney through western towns including Gulargambone and Collarenebri and Dubbo, as well as Lismore, Taree and Newcastle closer to the coast. “NSW has profoundly changed as a result of Charles Perkins and the students who drew attention to racial injustice in our state," said Penny Sharpe, Minister for Heritage. “By listening to Aboriginal voices, supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives, and committing to real action, we can follow in the footsteps of the Freedom Riders to build a more just and equal Australia,” said David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Council leaders from Bourke, Narromine and Bogan shires met last month for a consultation asking regional communities how best to engage. Around 20-25 people including a significant number of NSW government officials attended the meeting at Bourke either online or in person. The consultation was one of five that took place in January, including in Newcastle and Narrabri, and helped inform the draft Regional Communities Consultations Guide published this month. "It's important that they tell us the truth about what they're consulting on," Bourke mayor Lachlan Ford said. "If they said in the first place that we want to remove the Weir 19 (a weir about 30 kilometres south west of Bourke), for instance, many people would come to the consultation. "When they say that they want to have a workshop about 'section 26 of the river,' most people don't bother.Bourke Shire mayor Lachlan Ford. IMAGE: supplied"And then, once they've done what their so called consultation, they come back and say, 'well, we did the consultation, and we've decided to remove this weir. "Then people jump up and down, and you have 50 people at the meeting." Attendees also spoke on topics including methods of consultation and channels to reach people.The draft guidelines are open for public comments until 9am on 17 March 2025. The NSW Premier's department was tasked to create guidelines after the Parliament passed a 2024 Bill mandating consultation standards for regional communities by the government. The Bill won't apply to consultation guidelines already set out in other laws.   Barwon MP Roy Butler introduced the bill and said the workshops have been largely "positive." "The only downside would be that the timing and some of the workshops were held around school holidays when people were away," Mr Butler said. "That's not ideal, but the good thing about that is that they're going to do an annual review of the guide, so anything we missed this time around, we'll be able to pick up." Mr Butler said the workshops revealed that consultation needs to have "multiple channels" including face-to-face meetings. He also said participants flagged having four to six weeks of notice before a meeting, and to not host them during harvest. "If we get it right in the first place and actually speak to people and genuinely engage with them, then hopefully the information we collect is more accurate and more reflective of the community's aspirations and wants," he said.

Paris Capell from Cobar is one of a new generation of leaders welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) to Canberra for three days early this month.The 2025 National Agricultural Leadership Program (NALP) cohort shared their goals for agriculture with some of the country’s most influential politicians.“It was such a fantastic opportunity for our cohort to go to Parliament House with the NFF,” Ms Capell said.“Meeting with politicians gave a rare insight into how agricultural policy works in action.”Supported by Telstra, the 2025 NALP cohort will now embark on their mentoring program, before graduating in August.Ms Capell works with Local Land Services in Cobar as their Natural Capital Advisor, providing independent advice on carbon and biodiversity projects for landholders.“In my role, I was finding that there was a big gap in federal policy about the rangelands,” she said.“There is lots of programs about tree planting for waterways and koala protection, but we really haven't been getting much attention on issues in our region."I was looking for program where I could get traction on these issues."The National Ag Leadership Program came up as a really good opportunity to advocate for our region, so I applied.”Ms Capell said she is now given six months to work on a policy to present to the NFF and all of their members, and if they're interested, they can take it further.“We all got to meet in Canberra, and did a whole host of things like media training, looking at personality tests, speaking to leaders in federal departments, and visiting Parliament House, which was the highlight for me, personally,” she said.NFF President David Jochinke said the NALP participants were a credit to the agricultural industry.“The nine participants in this year’s program are brimming with enthusiasm, ideas and intellect,” Mr Jochinke said.National Farmers' Federation president, David Jochinke said young people like Cobar's Paris Capell are a credit to the agricultural industry.“It was a pleasure to introduce them to key politicians in Parliament House, show them around NFF House, and match them with their mentors."We’re so excited to watch these young industry professionals grow into powerful advocates for our industry.”Ms Capell said the group will now meet once a month to talk about how they are all tracking.“This is great because I've learned so much," she said."There was someone from Queensland Sugar, so I learned about the sugar industry and what they do, and also about issues the WA participants have with live sheep exports."These are things that haven't been on my periphery but are really important.“I've been paired with the research manager from the Australian farm Institute, who will be really pivotal in me helping shape what my policy looks like." It's really great to have that one-on-one advice and the skills to help along the process.”Ms Capell is juggling her policy preparations with working full time, and said she wouldn’t have it any other way.“It's really great,” she said.“I’m in a role where I have direct contacts with landholders and get to go on site."I can ask people their opinions on things, and I feel a bit like I’m an extension role."I love the grassroots of it all.”

A lack of childcare services in rural and remote communities is discouraging more doctors and other health professionals from moving to the bush, and making it harder to keep existing rural health professionals there according to the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA).Ahead of the federal election, the peak body is joining the push for more childcare places in smaller towns, such as those across the western plains of New South Wales.The RDAA's efforts have been backed by the release of their Position Paper, Childcare in Rural and Remote Australia, RDAA President Dr RT Lewandowski said there is an urgent need to boost childcare services in rural and remote towns for local doctors, health and other professionals, to support them to stay in those towns and help encourage more of their peers to ‘go rural’ too.RDAA President Dr RT Lewandowsk - Image RDAA “Access to quality childcare and early learning is a critical issue for all families in rural and remote Australia…and rural doctors and other health professionals are not immune,” said Dr Lewandowski. “Not being able to access childcare makes a big difference to the number of hours a doctor or other rural health professional can work to provide health services in their community. “In some cases, the lack of childcare in their rural town means a doctor must leave that community for a larger centre with more childcare options, and it discourages other doctors from moving to the community. “The availability of childcare in rural and remote towns – from early childhood right through to high school – is critical in supporting the recruitment and retention of doctors and other health professionals in the bush.”Bogan Shire General Manager Derek Francis - Image Western Plains AppBogan Shire General Manager Derek Francis strongly agrees with the RDAA and is hoping the RDAA push will assist to expediate both federal and state governments to take action to increase childcare places in rural areas.“Though our Early Learning Centre is able to care for babies through to the start of primary school during the day, there is a huge gap in Before and After School Care in our community for primary school age children,” said Mr Francis.“Local Member Roy Butler has recently written to the Minister for Education and Early Learning to highlight this deficiency. “Bogan Shire Council has been lobbying the NSW Government about this crucial issue since 2020 with no result. "Having had conversations with prospective doctors for the Bogan Shire Medical Centre, I know this is a barrier for some to join our community. "It also applies to employees of Aeris Tritton Mine and other employers as well,” Mr Francis said.Kristi Martin Director of Cobar Pre-School with Georgia Boland and local Cobar kids - Image courtesy Cobar Weekly Kristi Martin Director of Cobar Pre-School says childcare is absolutely a problem when it comes to attracting workers to the town, especially healthcare workers and miners on shift work or call.“Cobar is a rural community where childcare especially for 0–2-year-olds is hard to obtain and would definitely be a big draw card on whether people will seek employment in Cobar, with the new early learning centre opening and offering a lot more spaces for 0-2 there is much more opportunity to get the employment positions filled in Cobar.” According to an article in the Cobar Weekly, the recent opening of the Cobar Shire Council’s Early Learning Centre has made an additional 34 places available including 18 babies in the infants room, still though there is a long waiting list to get into the service which means parents can’t go back to work or those looking at jobs in the area will have to decline on the premise of lack of childcare."I would love to work in the bush or in rural areas but if I am not able to access childcare it just isn't feasible for my family which is so disappointing," said one recent rural graduate doctor who did not wish to be named."Getting childcare right in rural and remote communities can make a big difference to the range of health services that can be provided in those communities, including even basic access to local healthcare," said Dr Lewandowksi."We urge the major parties to commit to drive change in this critical area if elected to Government."

Cobar Shire Council is making progress with significant upgrades to put its museum on the map.Contractors have been on site and the historic building housing the Great Cobar Museum is receiving a facelift.Shire General Manager Peter Vlatko said he was excited at the future vision for the museum, which will include the construction of a new purpose-built facility and an interactive underground mining experience for visitors. “This will offer insights into the challenging working environment faced by our miners,” he said.Construction this month marks ‘Phase two’ of the project which received a $2.4 million refurbishment before a grand opening in 2021.A render of the upgrades being made at the Cobar Museum. Image: Supplied.The museum was fenced off earlier in the month with Dubbo-based builders on-site. When visitors enter the completed site they will be able to get a very real sense of what it was like to mine in the region.The museum pays homage to the rich history of mining in the Cobar Basin, which is currently undergoing a resurgence in fortunes with multiple companies setting up or building up production in the Cobar Basin.The Great Cobar Museum wins at the National Trust Heritage Awards 2022Work on the refurbishment of the museum in 2021 set the tone for the current work, with multiple prizes at the National Trust Heritage Awards in 2022.The Great Cobar Museum and Dunn and Hillam Architects were awarded with the top prize along with two other major awards.The National Trust Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice in the field of heritage, awarding excellence in conversation, protection, and interpretation of aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage over the past year.The tourist attraction and its architects took out the judge’s choice award following the completion of stage one project renewing and restoring the old heritage building.The Great Cobar Museum also won the conservation – build heritage award and a highly commended in conversation – interior and objects category.Honouring the mining industryMining at Cobar in the late 1800s revitalised the Australian copper industry when the important South Australian copper mines were in decline.During this period Cobar was one of the largest mining centres in Australia and provided 75% of the copper production in the state.